Yes, we're already at the end! Thirteen chapters to sum up this cursed thirteenth son; it's perfect! Thank you for being here with me this whole journey, from the beginning of the year to the beginning of summer Helsa week (and Anna's birthday)! Can you believe it took six months for us to get here?

I want to thank everyone who's encouraged me on this journey with my return to writing a Helsa fic. I know this is a really short epilogue, but I wanted to sum it all up, bring it to the ending I wanted from these two! The possibilities are endless, after all.

So without further adieu, the final chapter!

I'm Afraid of What I'm Risking if I Follow You

Chapter 13

My dearest Anna,

I'm afraid it's going to be a while before I come home for charades. I suspected you felt that way when Hans and I came back from Ahtohallan. I still don't know what you talked about, but I think I have a feeling, and that moment is only for the two of you. And I think you could sense my own unease—you are a Queen, after all, and a damn good one at that. Better than whatever I could be.

Yelena's always had this idea that living with the Northuldra and learning about their culture and people was just meant to be my stepping stone toward something greater. Stubbornly I told you she was wrong. Yet she was right, and I should have realized that. But I was scared.

I was scared that the path she was leading me down would include Hans. And after everything we know about him now, that's definitely true. I'm the best chance he has of breaking his curse. And he's the best chance anyone else has out there of breaking theirs.

I'll do my best to send letters where I can to let you know I'm safe. After all, the spirits will always be with me, as will Ahtohallan—but I never want to give you a reason to worry. There's already enough on your hands.

Our first mission is retrieving Hans's horse, Sitron. We can't keep using the Nokk when the Northuldra need him more, but he's a good starting point. Bruni, though, is more than happy to join us on the adventure. The Northuldra have assured us that we can take the little guy off their hands for now, as he can still get a little reckless.

We're going to do our damndest to break this curse together. Until then, I'll count down the days until we're reunited. Give my love and kisses to Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven for me.

All my love,

Elsa

"Ready to go?" Hans nudged her shoulder with his own, before tying his hair back into its usual ponytail. She had to admit, not only was she getting used to it, but she kind of even liked it now.

Elsa nodded, folding her letter carefully for Anna before stuffing her journal into the handmade bag Yelena had made specifically for the journey. Fall was approaching. Change in the air surrounded them, from the colorful leaves to the crisp air.

Speaking of, there was Gale, blowing by with the suspicion that she would soon be off with news for the Queen of Arendelle. "Here you go," said Elsa, holding up her letter. "Make sure it gets to my sister safely, okay?"

Gale circled Elsa a few times, before taking off, her letter fluttering in the leaves. She closed her eyes and sighed, taking in a deep breath.

They were doing this. They were going to find those cursed, hear their stories, and help them in any way they could: Elsa with her powers, Hans with his sympathies and life story.

And maybe his sailing skills.

The Northuldra strapped on all supplies they'd need for their journey, though Elsa assured that, for the most part, they'd probably be fine just relying on each other. Then again, unlike her, Hans could get cold, and at least had his own homemade articles the seamstresses of the tribe had made for him lovingly. Not to mention the Northuldra made some fantastically woven blankets for the cold days ahead.

"You're going to wear that on this adventure?" Hans asked, raising a brow. Even Bruni, perched as always on Hans's shoulder, tilted his head in agreement. "Not that you don't look beautiful, but you'll certainly stand out."

Elsa looked down at herself. True, she'd been in this variation of dress for a while now: her cape well past her feet, the magic of Ahtohallan shining with its white skirts and sandals.

But for this journey, she'd need to be more practical. Elsa touched her shoulders. Her dress transformed into a snow-jeweled, cool grey bodice, her pants now loose enough to run in. Her sandals turned into heeled riding boots. The cape, while shorter, certainly stayed—it was her signature, after all.

"Much better," she sighed, piling her long hair into a bun. "Don't you think?"

"I think I definitely prefer you much more in pants, honestly," said Hans, shooting her a cheeky smile.

Elsa just pursed her lips at him, her eyes squinting. Before long, she'd get used to the teasing and flirting.

At least, she hoped so.

"Loving the new look," said Honeymaren, handing Elsa her mother's scarf, folded. It needed a good wash, and Elsa only trusted her friend to do so with the care it needed. "You have everything?"

Elsa tucked the scarf into her bag so it'd always be with her. "Now I do," she assured, hugging Honeymaren tight. "Thank you for this."

"You sure you won't need a reindeer out there?" Ryder asked, just one more time. They still hadn't really come around on Hans, though they could brave the cold rather well.

"I think we'll be fine," said Elsa. "The Nokk will certainly keep us safer than most, and once we have Sitron, we'll send him right back to you."

"Take as much time as you need," said Yelena, breaking a hug from Hans. "We've lived with unruly spirits enough to know how to handle ourselves without their help." She approached Elsa, taking her face in her warm hands. "You have all the tools you need out there at your disposal. I've no doubt you'll be completely successful in finding what you're both looking for."

"Thank you for everything, Yelena." Elsa sighed into her hug; it reminded her so much of Mother's...

"Iduna would be proud of you. Even now, I feel her spirit encouraging you, that this was the path you're meant to take."

"I feel that, too." Elsa nodded, parting. "Thank you for helping me realize that, as well."

"You're quite the stubborn one." Yelena shrugged. "You also get that from your mother."

To know that they were so alike... Elsa placed a hand over her heart, unable to stop grinning. Her mother had done what was right in helping her father, even if his father brought on the conflict. Working through the sins of the past to make a better future. She would try to bring that same, patient energy to this, though her path to forgiving Hans would certainly be rockier.

At the river, Elsa summoned the Nokk with a whistle, bringing him to land with her frost. Hans strapped their supplies to his back, once Elsa fashioned reins to keep everything safe. After mounting, she took Hans's hand to help him up, now just fine with his hands at her waist to keep himself steady. The Northuldra waved them off with their chant, wishing them good luck and fortune on their journey. She could feel the warmth emanating from Bruni just behind her shoulder, the brush of Gale through her bangs. Once they exited the tribe, could hardly hear the chant anymore, the rock giants even helped lift them onto higher ground.

"You ready for this?" she asked Hans, bracing him as the Nokk leapt from the help of the giants to another ledge. The faster they rode, the more the trees blurred around them, the scenery changing quickly from the Enchanted Forest, past the fjord so close to Arendelle.

"I'm with you, Elsa," Hans replied, leaning over to press his lips briefly to her shoulder. Luckily he couldn't see her smile.

Hans mentioned the only lead he had on Sitron was that he suspected his brothers traded him off to somewhere in Weselton. Elsa had never been, of course, but the Duke had mentioned they'd been Arendelle's closest trading partner. Maybe they could both get their comeuppance with the slimy Duke, even, for him calling her a monster, for sending his goons out with clear intent to murder. It was as good a place to start as any, to hear where the spirits took her, to finding those who needed their help for whatever terrible spell magic had put them under. A valiant mission, she supposed, fit for this former queen and prince. Maybe one day she'd even meet the famous Moana, the one who found it in her heart to teach Hans, to see past all the wrongdoing and love him in her own way.

Elsa could already feel Hans's curse breaking, chipping away slowly, the sure beat of his heart steady against her back as his hands tightened around her waist.

They rode west toward the sunset, venturing into the unknown... together.

Yes, Elsa's new outfit is her "Monster" outfit from the Broadway version. Yes, I wanted to end this fic on that line.

And in all honesty, I'm leaving everything open ended for your stories, your ideas. My last fic I mentioned I didn't want anyone else to explore this universe; this fic, I encourage you all to go wild! Bring your ideas to my attention; let me know what you think!

I probably won't be returning to this universe anytime soon, but I hope this ending is satisfactory enough to sate you for now. Please stay safe out there!

And as always, comments and kudos are insanely appreciated.